Assessment of Mental Health Status and Associated factors among Interns at Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, particularly among medical professionals who face unique stressors and challenges in their work environment. Internship, being a critical phase in medical education, poses significant challenges to interns' mental health due to high workload, demanding schedules, and intense emotional experiences. Understanding the mental well-being of interns is crucial for identifying potential issues and implementing effective support systems. Objectives: To assess the mental health status of Interns at Saint Paul Millennium Medical College including psychological distress and associated factors among interns at Saint Paul Millennium Medical College. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saint Paul Millennium Medical College with all Interns taken with universal sampling method. Mental health status was assessed using the general health questionnaire-12. The questionnaire was done through online google form and results were analyzed using Descriptive analysis as well as by chi-square, binomial and multinomial logistic regression analysis and associations noted. Results: Among the participants most 61(67%) were found to have good mental health while 30(33%) were found to have poor mental health. This study reveals that family history of mental illness, sleep deprivation and work load are significantly associated with poor mental health status among interns of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical Collage. Conclusions: Having no family history of mental illness, proper management of workload and time at work, having adequate amount of sleep was found to be protective factors against having mental health issues. Recommendations: There should be set rulers that protect the mental health of interns like ensuring adequate sleep time & have mental health services available for Interns and medical students. Keywords: Mental health Status of interns in Saint Paul Millennium Medical College